Shalon Frye has come full circle. She started as an elementary teacher in 2000 at Independence 
Community Schools, and after three years decided to go back to school for her school counseling degree at UNI, which eventually brought her back "home" to Independence.
Why should high school counselors be involved with Iowa ACAC? Being involved with Iowa ACAC has been one of the best professional 
development activities I have ever done. The reality is, as high school counselors we are also college admissions counselors. Iowa ACAC is a great support for high school counselors. Here is how I got involved:
Being thankful has a positive effect on many parts of our lives. Studies have been telling us for years just how beneficial gratitude and recognition are in the work place, in our relationships, and towards our mental and physical wellbeing.
Ashlee Duimstra is in her fourth year as a school counselor at East High School in Des Moines. Before that, she was a school counselor in 
Knoxville, Iowa, for three years. She says being a member of Iowa ACAC helps keep her in the know on what's happening in college admissions, so she can share those resources with her students...and some of those resources came from her making time to take one step.
We all know communication has changed. Twenty years ago, as an Admissions Representative, I received letters, postcards, and flyers in the mail from Iowa ACAC...you know, that stuff that comes on paper by a person who delivers it through rain, hail, sleet or 
snow...with information on college fair registration and the individual fairs, spring conference, and the Scenes newsletter. I'd open each and every item, save as needed, note on a calendar, or throw in the trash can. We do all of those same things today, but electronically. Unfortunately, we sometimes feel inundated with email and get overwhelmed. Then we become selective. Then we overlook. Then we miss out.
Three ways you can answer the call to share your knowledge or simply show thanks:
After 10 years of teaching history and government, Jedd Taylor switched gears. He completed school counseling training, and became school counselor for grades 11 and 12 at Glenwood Community High School (Glenwood, Iowa). With the exception of one semester as a long-term substitute, he has spent all 15 years at Glenwood.
The 15th Annual R.I.D.E. (Rediscovering Iowa’s Diverse Education) took place June 11-14, 2017, in eastern Iowa. Thirty-one high school and independent counselors from throughout the state of Iowa visited Kirkwood Community College, Northeast Iowa Community College (Peosta), University of Dubuque, Loras College, Clarke University, Cornell College, Mount Mercy University, and Coe College. The participants toured the various campuses, learned about admission requirements and heard from faculty, current student, and several college presidents about the unique mission of each institution. A huge thank you to the host institutions for their amazing hospitality including providing meals and giveaways, coordinating the many details of the visits, and providing overnight accommodations. Partial funding for the R.I.D.E. was also provided by an Imagine Grant from the National Association for College Admission Counseling. All attendees expressed how beneficial this free event was for their professional knowledge and well as the many students they serve! Thank you to these wonderful counselors for taking time to join us. 
